Morris Prosecutor: Narcotics Task Force Efforts Yield Three Indictments on Drug Charges

Published on March 21, 2018

MOUNT OLIVE AND THE ROCKAWAYS TARGETED FOR DRUG DISTRIBUTION

Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces the indictment of Jose M. Mejias and Ines M. Rivera-Rodriguez of Dover, and Casimiro Richiez-Martinez of Landing on numerous drug charges arising out of their alleged distribution of cocaine and fentanyl in Mount Olive, Rockaway Township, and Rockaway Borough.

The drug distribution charges relate to five separate alleged distributions of fentanyl and/or cocaine.

This investigation culminated on September 21, 2017, when a motor vehicle stop was made by the Rockaway Borough Police Department, which resulted in the arrests of Jose M. Mejias and Ines M. Rivera-Rodriguez. Subsequent investigation led to the seizure of approximately seven ounces of cocaine and 2,450 dosage units of heroin. The estimated street value of the illegal drugs seized is in excess of $20,500.

This investigation targeted individuals responsible for importing and distributing a steady supply of Fentanyl in Morris County,'' said Prosecutor Knapp. "The Morris County Prosecutor's Office and its Narcotics Task Force partners will continue to combat the opiate epidemic through enforcement efforts targeting for profit drug dealers.

(, 0B) Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp

Jose M. Mejias, 48, of Dover, arrested in September 2017, was indicted on numerous counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl; and Distribution of Fentanyl.

Ines M. Rivera-Rodriguez, 58, of Dover, arrested in September 2017, also was indicted on numerous counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, and Distribution of Fentanyl.

Casimiro Richiez-Martinez, 47, of Landing, arrested in February 2018, was indicted on charges of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Distribution of Fentanyl, and Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl.

Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp wishes to thank the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Special Enforcement Unit (Narcotics Task Force and its participating agencies), the Mt. Olive Police Department, the Rockaway Borough Police Department and the Morris County Sheriff's Office for their efforts related to this investigation.

This investigation was conducted under the direction of MCPO Captain Brian Keane, Commander of the Narcotics Task Force, and Detective Lieutenant Luis Sanchez of the Mt. Olive Police Department.

Inquiries should be directed to Public Information Officer Peter DiGennaro at pressinquiry@co.morris.nj.us or 973-829-8159.